Join AIR as a Communications Specialistwith our Learning Supports program area, where we provide research and technical assistance to federal, state, and local clients, primarily focusing on the supports children need to be ready to learn in the K-12 education system. Our Learning Supports program area uses a proactive and preventative framework to support these content areas:

Early childhood
• English learners
• Multi-tiered system of support
• Special education

Our Learning Supports team is driven by our mission to make the world a better, more equitable place through education.

To raise awareness for this work both internally and externally, the Communications Specialist will initiate and lead communications and dissemination tasks and share relevant information from research, evaluation, and technical assistance (TA) projects among key audiences. Identifying and expanding opportunities for thought leadership and eminence building activities in support of our strategic priorities is also essential to the role. The ideal candidate is committed to supporting communications efforts and activities that align with AIR's mission to generate and use rigorous evidence that contributes to a better, more equitable world.

This position has the flexibility to work remote from anywhere in the United States or from any of AIR's U.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories.

About AIR:

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.

AIR's commitment to diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations, and work environment. At AIR, we define diversity broadly, considering everyone's unique life and community experiences. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives, abilities/disabilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, ages, genders, gender identities and expressions, education backgrounds, and life stories drives innovation and employee engagement. Learn more about AIR's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and hear from our staff by clicking here.

The Communications Specialist will:

• Coordinate strategic presentations, events, and webinars.
• Participate in division-level strategy planning sessions.
• Provide ad hoc support to project teams and contribute feedback in response to client-facing communication tasks.
• Work collaboratively with AIR's Communications and Public Affairs Team.
• Partner with experts across AIR to summarize key research findings and extend the reach of our work in policy areas such as early childhood, English language learners, multi-tiered systems of support, and special education.

A successful candidate will be aware of current events and shifting policy priorities across the Learning Supports Program Area and will seek opportunities to innovate and contribute ideas that lead to more effective communication strategies and tactics. The candidate should also build and maintain meaningful partnerships internally with AIR colleagues, as well as externally with journalists, policymakers, clients, researchers, and other influencers. Other key responsibilities associated with this role include the following.

• Provide strategic support to AIR's Learning Supports Leadership Team by developing a robust communications plan with clearly articulated goals, strategies, and tactics.
• Engage with communications staff across AIR to align communications strategy with AIR institutional and division goals.
• Enhance the quality and consistency of digital and written communications products, including videos, social media posts, publications, newsletters, and other products as identified by AIR's Learning Supports Leadership Team.
• Work closely with content experts-as well as editing, production, and design technical staff-to support product development and ensure quality.
• Compile and analyze metrics from social media campaigns and partner with the Learning Supports Leadership Team to test new approaches for improved engagement.
• Support client-facing communications tasks as needed.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree and 6 or more years of experience or master's degree and 4 or more years of experience in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or relevant field
• Experience developing and implementing results-driven internal and external communications strategies that align with business goals and objectives
• Familiarity with tools for building and analyzing social media campaign products (LinkedIn, Facebook, and X) to inform data-driven continuous improvement communication strategies
• Demonstrated experience supporting conference needs, event planning, content development, and audience engagement in a complex organization with geographically dispersed staff
• Working knowledge of policy topics within the Learning Supports Program Area, including early childhood, English learners, multi-tiered systems of support, special education

Skills:

• Excellent time management skills and ability to handle multiple project needs simultaneously
• Excellent communication skills, with attention to grammar, style guides, formatting, audiences, and tone
• Strong client-facing communication skills
• Candidates selected for an interview, will be asked to provide communications samples (i.e., Social Media Campaign, Newsletter, Project Brief, Website, etc.)

Disclosures:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks.

AIR's Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers an anticipated annual salary of $85,000 - $100,000. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States.

AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.

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